Community diary

GO SHOPPING: You're sure to find a bargain at the garage sales and markets around the region this weekend.

Entries for this diary from community groups and non-profit organisations need to reach us nine days before anticipated publication. Because of space restrictions, there is no guarantee that entries will run. Email to alison.adams@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

GIANT GARAGE SALE: In the Wesley Uniting Church grounds at 32 Showground Road, Castle Hill, on Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4, 8am-1pm. Stalls will include books, records, CDs, DVDs, Christmas, clothing, electrical, furniture, manchester, plants, toys, white elephant, jewellery and more. There will also be tea and coffee and a sausage sizzle. Details: Brian, 9871 3497.

NIGHT WALK: The Hills Shire Council hosts walks and workshops with an emphasis on living sustainably. On Friday, November 3 from 7pm-9pm you can take a night walk and experience the sights and sounds of the local bush after dark. Bookings essential at: www.thehillsenvironment.eventbrite.com.au.

RETIREES MEET: The Sydney Hills Branch of the Association of Independent Retirees meets on Friday, November 10 from 1.45am at Beecroft Presbyterian Church Hall, Welham Street Beecroft. Guest speaker will be Noeline Kyle from Ancestry. The organisation welcomes recently retired citizens and baby boomers looking for new interests. Keep abreast of the changes which are likely to affect you and your income in the future. Details: Lauris Rennie, 9634 1186.

RED CROSS: Castle Hill branch of the Red Cross will hold its last meeting for the year on Friday, November 10 from 9am at Room 1, Castle Glen, 157 Ridgecrop Drive, Knightsbridge, Castle Hill. Parking at lower end of shopping centre and local bus routes available. A cake stall will be held on Saturday, October 28, at Bunnings, Castle Hill. Details: 8850 7056.

DONATE A BOOK: Friends of The Hills Library are looking for donations of good quality pre-loved popular fiction books for a charity sale. Collection day will be Saturday, November 18, 10am-3pm, in Study Rooms 1 and 2 at Castle Hill LIbrary. Sale days will be Friday to Sunday, November 24-26 in the Sonya Phillips Room of Castle Hill Library. Sales will be open 5pm-8pm on the Friday, 9.30am-5pm on the Saturday and 1pm-4pm on the Sunday. For further details call 9761 4510.

NEW SKILLS: Learning in the Hills, 92 Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills, has begun its Term 4 program with classes from Monday to Saturday including Wednesday and Thursday nights. They include Qigong, tai chi, yoga and seated yoga, dressmaking, painting, patchwork and quilting, embroidery, soft furnishing, social craft, quilting, knitting, crochet, book club, English conversation, bus groups and more. For information about classes phone 9639 7918 or go go http://hca.org.au/learning-in-the-hills/

HEARTMOVES: Is a gentle physical activity program suitable for anyone who hasn’t done any exercise in a while. Exercise at your own pace in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Heartmoves is open to everyone and is designed to be safe for people with stable health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or obesity. It is run by accredited exercise professionals specifically trained in managing safe, low to moderate intensity physical activity programs. Classes are limited in size to ensure maximum safety for participants. For class details on Fridays at West Pennant Hills contact Amanda Doring on 0412 611 727.

FRIENDSHIP FORCE: Is a worldwide non-profit organisation aimed at changing the way you see the world. The organisation arranges travel to other countries and includes homestays with people from those countries, promoting friendships. If you like travelling, meeting and entertaining people of many cultures then this could be the club for you. Details: email sydneyffpresident@gmail.com or visit www.friendshipforce-aussie.org.

DISCOUNT SHOPPING: Parramatta Community Care (PC Care) is the care arm of Parramatta Christian Church and operates by running a shop that provides groceries such as fresh fruit/vegetables, meat, bread, milk and pantry items at a low, affordable cost - some at no cost at all. The service is open at 18 Barney Street, North Parramatta, Thursdays from 6pm-8pm and Fridays, 10.30am-1pm. There is also a chemist on site providing heavily discounted prescriptions on Friday mornings (conditions apply). This service is available to Centrelink cardholders, Centrelink Newstart recipients, low income earners, asylum seekers/refugees, and students. Details: 9630 3892 or www.pcc.org.au/care.

GO BUSH: Wanderers Bushwalking and Outdoor Club meets every second Tuesday of the month from 8pm at Crestwood Community Centre, Crestwood Drive, Baulkham Hills. Details: www.bushwalkingnsw.org.au/wanderers or phone 9639 9738.

FOR MUMS: A multicultural support group for mothers meets every Thursday, 10am-noon, at Wesley Uniting Church, 32 Showground Road, Castle Hill. Be part of a diverse community, bring your friends and enjoy a Mums and Bubs dance and movement class, free morning tea and a session on women’s and family health. Childcare is available. Places are limited so bookings are essential. Details: phone 9621 6633 or 9625 0455 or email Corinne.Desira@sydwestms.org.au.

DURAL AND DISTRICTS: Senior Citizens’ Club members meet every Wednesday from 11am at Dural Country Club to enjoy good fellowship with other senior citizens. Some play indoor bowls while others play bingo and enjoy the prizes. Stay for lunch. Details: Carol, 8801 1395.

WALKING GROUP: The Hills Hikers, a Department of Sport and Recreation Walking for Pleasure group, meets the third Sunday of each month for walks, including bush, coastal and urban. New members welcome. Details: Jim, 9629 6550 or Margaret, 8801 1024.

FREE SEMINARS: Castle Hill Bible Education Centre is running two free seminars: improve your English and getting to know the Bible better. Runs every Tuesday during school term at 7.45pm-9pm. Details: 245 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill. Details: 0433 661 959 or enquiries@castlehillbec.org.au.

JOIN PROBUS: Active retirees and semi-retirees who would like to share friendship, fellowship and fun are welcome to join the Probus Men’s Club of Carlingford. The club meets from 9.45am on the first Tuesday of the month at Muirfield Golf Club. Activities include an impressive line-up of guest speakers and monthly outings with wives/partners. Guests and friends are welcome. Details: Colin, 9629 9634.

INNER WHEEL: Norwest club is looking for new members. The women’s group’s motto is “friendship with a purpose” and meetings include speakers and subjects of interest as well as fun activities and outings. The club has an outstanding record of personal service to the community. Members meet at The Hills Club in Baulkham Hills on the first Wednesday of the month from 6.30pm. Cost is $15 for dinner. Details: Deborah, 0414 828 777.

LEISURE AND LEARNING: A group for senior citizens meets on Friday mornings from 9.30am at the Uniting Church Pennant Hills, corner Boundary Road and Bellamy Street, Pennant Hills. Activities include art, Australian history, bridge, cards, carpet bowls, gentle exercise and music appreciation. Cost is $25 per school term with morning tea provided. Details: Arthur Baillie, 9484 4372.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Conservation Volunteers Australia needs your help to protect the critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland. Head to Plough and Harrow East in Western Sydney Parkland and learn about native flora and fauna, meet a great group of people and help the environment. Sessions are held every last Sunday of the month, 9.30am-2.30pm. Details: 4721 4625 or email westernsydney@cva.org.au

COMPUTER PALS: Are you reasonably literate in the daunting world of technology? Then Computer Pals for Seniors - The Hills, a non-profit organisation, invites you to become a member, not only to expand your knowledge, but to share your expertise one day a week, for two or three hours. No teaching experience is necessary, and full training will be offered. The centre is in Castle Hill and membership fluctuates between 450 and 550. Details: 9899 9131 or www.users.tpg.com.au/cphills.

THE HILLS TREFOIL GUILD: Part of Girl Guides Australia meets third Friday of each month, 10am-12.30pm, at Castle Hill Guide Hall, Bounty Avenue, Castle Hill. All women who are prepared to make the Guide promise are welcome. Details: 9634 4987.

LIFE STORIES: Everyone has lived a unique life and everyone has a story to tell. Learn how to tell your life story, or the story of loved ones in an uncomplicated way using a series of worksheets and a personal assistant on Thursdays, 9.30am-11.45am, at Learning in the Hills, 92 Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills. Details: 9639 7918.

SOCIAL KNITTING AND CRAFT: Enjoy the company of other knitters and craft-minded people or learn how to knit on Tuesdays, 12.15pm-2.15pm at Learning in the Hills, 92 Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills. Details: 9639 9738.

STICK TO YOUR KNITTING: Knitting and crochet group meets every Tuesday 10am-1pm at Restore Church, 47 Britannia Road, Castle Hill. Knit, crochet, learn and share your craft in this friendly, comfortable atmosphere. Free off-street parking. Experienced craft speakers and workshops are organised throughout the year as well as outings to yarn stores and craft shows. Members also support charity organisations Wrapt with Love, Operation Christmas Child, Trauma Teddies and others. All welcome. Details: Janette, 0409 905 018 or email stykjm@gmail.com.

YARN ON A STICK: Knitting is the new yoga! Join a friendly, informal group and learn a new craft on Thursdays, 11.15am-1.15pm, at Baulkham Hills Library, 1 Railway Street, Baulkham Hills. It’s free but bring your own 4mm needles and wool. Details: 9761 5736.

PRE-SCHOOL STORYTIME: Stories, songs, rhymes, fun and educational activities for children aged 2-5 and their parents at Baulkham Hills Library, 1 Railway Street, Baulkham Hills every Friday and Tuesday, 11am-11.30am, during school terms. The aim of storytime is to encourage a love of books and develop listening, language and social skills.